How to Hide Files with Google Safe Folder on Android

Smartphones are incredibly personal devices and can contain sensitive information. If you are concerned that prying eyes will find something they shouldn't, you can hide and lock files behind a four digit pin with Safe Folder in the Google Files app for Android.

Safe Folder is a special folder in the Google Files app that places files behind a PIN code. Files that are moved to the secure folder are not accessible anywhere else on the phone. Be it confidential photos or documents with personal information, Safe Folder can keep things, well, safe.

Just keep in mind that, unlike what some have reported, your files are not encrypted beyond the security measures built into Android and the Google Files app.

How to set up the secure folder

First, download the Google files Google Play Store app. From there, open the app on your android smartphone. New users will need to touch “Continue” to accept the Terms of Service.

To give Files the ability to view content on your phone, Touch “Let” to grant you permission to enter photos, media and files.

Now that you are in the app, make sure you are in the tab “Examine”, scroll down to section “Collections” and then touch “secure folder”.

You will now be asked to set a four digit PIN. Type in the PIN and touch “Next”.

Enter your PIN 4 digits again to confirm and then select the button “Next” to continue.

The app will kindly remind you that Safe Folder cannot be opened without the PIN, therefore do not forget. Touch “It is understood”.

You will now be greeted by an empty secure folder. Tap the arrow “Behind” to return to the screen “Examine”.

How to add files to the secure folder

Now we will add content to the secure folder. Select any folder from the available files to search. For this example, we will use the folder “Descargar”.

Long press to choose any file you would like to add to Secure Folder. You can choose multiple files if you want.

Press the icon “Menu” three dots in the upper right corner.

Please select “Move to secure folder” in the drop-down menu.

You will be asked to enter the four-digit PIN you created previously. Enter the PIN and touch the blue button “Next”.

That is all! Files have now been removed from Public Folders and can only be accessed in Secure Folder. The files will also not be available to third-party applications.

How to delete files from the secure folder

Deleting files from the safe folder works in the opposite way to adding. Open the Google Files app on your Android smartphone and tap on the option “secure folder” in the tab “Examine”.

Enter your four-digit PIN and touch “Next”.

Long press to choose the file you want to delete from the secure folder.

Press the icon “Menu” three dots in the upper right corner.

Select option “Move out of secure folder” from the drop down menu.

How to change your PIN

Resetting the secure folder PIN is easy as long as you remember your original password. To do it, open the Google Files app on your Android smartphone. From there, tap the menu icon “Burger” in the top left-hand corner.

Please select “Setting” on the menu.

Go to Secure Folder> Change PIN.

Enter your current four-digit PIN, then touch the button “Next”.

Now, type your new PIN and touch “Next”.

You will be asked to confirm the PIN one more time. Enter and touch “Next” to continue.

That is all! Touch “It is understood” to complete the change.